How it all started

The idea was born from a need: There was no interesting and non-commercial place in Helsinki where young adults could meet each other and make friends. To reduce loneliness, an organisation called Kohtaus ry was founded in 2014 by Satu Lekola, Liina Kahelin and Aaro Horsma. The operations started with very modest small events carried out by volunteers in a small lounge space in Helsinki’s Vallila, on Eurantie. 

Everything that was done was focused on reducing the loneliness of young adults.

Kohtaus ry as an NGO

  • 3 people facing camera in front of anstone building

    Vision

    The vision of Kohtaus ry is a society free of social barriers where everyone has the opportunity to act and meet others as they are, on an equal footing and without fear of discrimination and exclusion.

  • a black haired and grey hoodied man facing camera in front of a yellow wooden house

    Mission

    Our mission is to dismantle structures, practices and culture that marginalise people and leave them to cope on their own. We increase social well-being and provide expertise for meaningful encounters.

Objectives

Increasing the social well-being of young adults.

Developing environments and practices that strengthen social well-being.

Promoting a positive culture of encounters and advocacy in Finland and/or internationally.

Values

Belonging

We ensure that everyone is acknowledged as part of the community.

Sensitivity

We enable safer spaces and culture.

Effectiveness

We act in a need- and goal-oriented manner to achieve positive change at the level of individuals, communities and society.

Kohtaus ry’s strategy 2022-2026
(Opens in a new tab in Finnish)

Kohtaus ry’s annual report 2023
(Opens in a new tab in Finnish)

Kohtaus Impact 2023

Amount of visitors in livingrooms 1021

Amount of visits in livingrooms 9411

Loneliness decreased with 96% of visitors answering the survey (N= 127)

Wellbeing increased with 95% of visitors answering the survey (N= 127)

“Handling may not have been improved but the handle has been found.”

Kohtaus ry board:

Riikka Harju, Chairman

Annakaisa Oksava, Vice Chairman

Maryan Abdulkarim

Aaro Horsma

Topi Jaakola

Sami Kujala

In matters related to co-operation, please contact

Executive Director Satu Lekola,
satu.lekola@kohtaus.info

+358 50 3035583